The Rt Hon Sir Mike Penning

Biography

Sir Mike Penning was appointed Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence on 15 July 2016. He was elected Conservative MP for Hemel Hempstead in 2005.

Education

Mike was educated at Appleton and King Edmund comprehensive schools in Essex.

Political career

Previously Mike was:

  • Elected MP for Hemel Hempstead 2005
  • Member, Health Committee 2005 to 2008
  • Shadow Minister for Health 2007 to 2010
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport 2010 to 2012
  • Minister of State for Northern Ireland September 2012
  • Minister of State for Disabled People 2013 to 2014
  • Minister of State at the Home Office and Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice from July 2014 until July 2016

Career outside politics

After school Mike joined the British army and served in the Grenadier Guards. He then worked as a firefighter before going into the family business. He later worked as a political journalist.

Personal life

He is married to Angela and has 2 daughters. He is passionate about sport, especially rugby union and football.